CHECK IN AND CHILL
Sunning yourself on the white sands of the Caribbean may still be a while off, but until you can enjoy the real thing, why not indulge in some West Indies-style relaxation at home
As you listen, you will be transported to St Lucia’s volcanic hot springs and lush forests
THE CARIBBEAN is synonymous with relaxation. It’s a feel-good corner of the world, where everything from the food to the music is relaxed and happy. There’s simply no better place to chill out. TUCK IN One way to truly get to know a culture is through its cuisine – and the 26 vibrant countries of the Caribbean each have their own delicious ways of putting a smile on everyone’s face.
One must-try dish is that spicy Jamaican classic, jerk chicken, and it couldn’t be easier to make at home, thanks to this recipe from The Jerk Shack at Sandals Resort, Montego Bay. To make it, you will need: One whole chicken, one Scotch bonnet pepper, two tbsp thyme, one tbsp ground allspice, two tbsp chopped ginger, one onion, one clove of garlic, three spring onions, olive oil, soy sauce, plenty of black pepper for seasoning, and one lime to juice.
Step one: Place your chicken whole or cut up in a shallow pan. To make your jerk marinade, blitz your dry ingredients in a food processor. Then put into a mixing bowl and add olive oil and soy sauce to your desired taste and consistency.
Step two: Massage half of the jerk marinade into the chicken, cover, then leave it in the fridge overnight.
Step three: Next day, while heating the barbecue, briefly cook the chicken in an oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. Then transfer it to a searing hot grill for 5-10 minutes on each side. Squeeze some lime juice over the chicken, cover loosely with foil then leave on the grill for another 10 minutes until cooked through.
Serve with fresh salad, rice and peas, and the rest of your marinade.
And why not play DJ Eddy’s uplifting beats (mixcloud.com/djeddy2/) to complete the Caribbean ambience? AND BREATHE If it’s pampering you need, transport your mind to ethereal Jade Mountain Resort in St Lucia (jademountain. com), and give yourself an at-home spa treatment with its DIY face mask. Mash together a ¼ mango, ¼ cucumber and ½ banana. Then, smooth the mixture on to your face and relax while listening to the St Lucia Tourism Authority’s podcast, which will take you around the island’s volcanic hot springs and lush forests as you learn about its vibrantly coloured resident parrots, rum distilleries and more. Then wash off the mask and join Jade Mountain’s Yoga Flow class while enjoying views of mountains and clear blue sky in the background (rb.gy/kkbrm2). FAMILY TIME Gather the family and join @TravelSaintLucia on Instagram live every Tuesday, as it transports us from our living rooms to paradise on earth. From sunsets on pristine beaches to a hip-shaking steelpan session, or even a virtual hike through the island’s World Heritage Site, the beautiful Pitons – two
volcanic spires – it’s a fabulous way to enjoy foreign climes under lockdown.
Get the kids to burn off some energy by joining a virtual fitness class with dancer Sylver Rochelin (search his name on YouTube to find the classes) before settling down to a classic movie filmed on one of the Caribbean’s islands. Whether it’s the romcom Splash, shot in picturesque Gorda Cay in the Bahamas, with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, or family favourite The Pirates of the Caribbean, set in various breathtaking locations including St Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico and Dominica, there’s something for everyone.
Once the kids are in bed, it’s time for a cocktail! Prepare a fruity Bajan rum punch – or try our Jamaican Smile recipe, above, right – then recreate the essence of the Caribbean in your home by getting creative. Whether it’s painting blissful beaches or cross-stitching palm trees, some arts and crafts with great drinks and fun company will produce the happy vibes that define the West Indies.